Student Services

STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT

(Policy JICDA)

The following review of discipline issues and procedures will follow specific due process actions for each student involved in the discipline proceedings. If the principal or designee finds the need tsuspend a student, those building professionals will follow the procedures outlined in policy JKD/JKE-R. A copy of that policy is available on the home page of Pueblo County School District 70’s website under School Board Policies. Additionally, a hard copy of that policy can be attained through the Student Services Department at (719) 295-6534.

A student will face disciplinary action, which may include possible suspension or expulsion if they are involved in one or more of the following acts:

1. Causing or attempting to cause damage to school property or stealing or attempting to steal district property.
2. Causing or attempting to cause damage to private property or stealing or attempting to steal private property.
3. Willful destruction or defacing of district property.
4. Commission of any act which if committed by an adult would be robbery or assault as defined by state law.
5. Committing extortion, coercion or blackmail, i.e., obtaining money or other objects of value from an unwilling person or forcing an individual tact through the use of force or threat of force.
6. Engaging in verbal abuse, i.e., name-calling, ethnic or racial slurs, either orally or in writing or derogatory statements addressed publicly tan individual or a group that precipitate disruption of the district or school program or incite violence.
7. Engaging in “hazing” activities, i.e., forcing prolonged physical activity, forcing excessive consumption of any substance, forcing prolonged deprivation of sleep, food, or drink, or any other behavior which recklessly endangers the health or safety of an individual for purposes of initiation into any student group.
8. Violation of the Board’s policy on bullying prevention and education.
9. Violation of criminal law, which has an effect on the district, school or the general safety or welfare of students or staff.
10. Violation of Board's policy or regulations, or established school rule
11. Violation of the Board’s policy on weapons in the schools. Expulsion shall be mandatory for bringing or possessing a firearm in accordance with federal law.
12. Violation of the Board’s policy on student conduct, involving drugs and alcohol.
13. Violation of the Board’s violent and aggressive behavior policy.
14. Violation of the Board’s E-cigarette, vaping, and tobacco-free schools policy.
15. Violation of the Board’s policies prohibiting sexual or other harassment.
16. Violation of the Board’s policy on non-discrimination.
17. Violation of the Board’s dress code policy.
18. Violation of the Board’s policy on gangs and gang-like activity
19. Throwing objects, unless part of a supervised school activity, that can or do cause bodily injury or damage to property.
20. Directing profanity, vulgar language, or obscene gestures toward other students, school personnel or others.
21. Lying or giving false information, either verbally or in writing, ta district employee.
22. Engaging in scholastic dishonesty, which includes but is not limited to cheating on a test, plagiarism or unauthorized collaboration with another person in preparing written work.
23. Making a false accusation of criminal activity against a district employee to law enforcement or to the district.
24. Behavior on or off school property that is detrimental to the welfare or safety of other students or school personnel, including behavior that creates a threat of physical harm to the student exhibiting the behavior or tone or more other students.
25. Repeated interference with the district’s ability to provide educational opportunities tother students.
26. Continued willful disobedience or open and persistent defiance of proper authority including deliberate refusal to obey a member of the district staff.

LEGAL REFS.:

• C.R.S. 18-3-202 et seq. (offenses against person)
• C.R.S. 18-4-301 et seq. (offenses against property)
• C.R.S. 18-9-124 (2)(a) (prohibition of hazing)
• C.R.S. 22-12-105 (3) (authority to suspend or expel for false accusations)
• C.R.S. 22-32-109.1 (2)(a)(I)(A) (duty tadopt policies on student conduct, safety and welfare)
• C.R.S. 22-32-109.1 (2)(a)(I) (policy required as part of safe schools’ plan)
• C.R.S. 22-32-109.1 (9) (immunity provisions in safe schools law)
• C.R.S. 22-33-106 (1)(a-ge) (grounds for suspension, expulsion, denial of admission)

● CROSS REFS.:

• AC, Nondiscrimination/Equal Opportunity
• ADC, Tobacco-Free Schools
• ADD, Safe Schools
• ECAC, Vandalism
• GBGB, Staff Personal Security and Safety
• JBB*, Sexual Harassment
• JIC, Student Conduct
• JICA, Student Dress Code
• JICC, Student Conduct on School Buses
• ICDD*, Violent and Aggressive Behavior
• JICDE*,Violent and Aggressive Behavior
• JICF, Secret Societies/GangActivity
• JICH, Drug and Alcohol Involvement by Students
• JICI, Weapons in School
• JK, Student Discipline
• JKD/JKE, Suspension/Expulsion of Student

The school retains the ability to add other items to the code of conduct, so please refer to your student’s school handbook to clarify items such as public displays of affection, truancies, tardies and other behaviors that may warrant lesser disciplinary actions such as detention or in-school suspension. If you have any questions regarding the definitions of terms used in this section, please contact the principal of your son’s or daughter’s school for further clarification.

Additionally, it is important to note that parents/guardians are entitled to multiple people sitting in the interviews and meetings with school staff and administration. Simply put, if parents/guardians would like an additional person/witness to sit in during interviews and meetings with staff and/or building administration then you simply need to request it from the building Principal, Assistant Principal, or Dean. With such a request the building level administrative staff will be more than happy to find an additional staff member to sit in on the meeting.

 Participation in extracurricular activities, athletics, and many reward activities (like field trips and dances) is considered a privilege, not a right, and is contingent upon meeting behavioral and academic standards. Disciplinary actions are often structured to minimize interference with a student’s academic schedule

. Secondary students may organize curriculum-related clubs or groups, which must be supervised by a faculty member and follow all board policies.

Violation of district policies while in a school vehicle may result in the student’s suspension or expulsion from school. Severe violations of the bus code of conduct can result in school disciplinary action as well as ridership disciplinary action. The bus driver is considered an extension of the school staff, and students must comply with their requests

• First Violation: Driver verbally warns the student and may move them to a different seat
• Second Violation: Driver issues a written warning (conduct report) requiring parent signature for the student to return to the bus
• Third Violation: Results in a 1-day suspension of bus riding privileges
• Fourth Violation: Results in a 3-day suspension of bus riding privileges
• Fifth Violation: Results in a 5-day suspension of bus riding privileges
• Further violations result in suspension from the bus pending a hearing with the Office of Student Services

Policy JICG: 20 U.S.C. 7181 et seq.; C.R.S. 18-13-121; C.R.S. 22- 32-109 (1)(bb); C.R.S. 22- 32-109.1 (2)(a)(VII); C.R.S. 25-14-103.5; 6 CCR 1010-6, Rule 5-306

Policy JICG: ADC, Tobacco-Free Schools; IHAMA, Teaching about Drugs, Alcohol and Tobacco; KFA, Public Conduct on School Property; JKD/JKE, Suspension/Expulsion of Students; JLCD/JLCD-R/ JLCD-E Administering Medications to Students

• Teachers may allow limited device use for instructional purposes if identified as an instructional tool.

• Personal Safety: Posting personal contact information, meeting online contacts without parental approval/participation
• Illegal Activities: Gaining unauthorized access (including "browsing" through another person's account), disrupting system performance, or using the system to engage in illegal acts (e.g., drug sales, criminal gang activity)
• Inappropriate Language: Using obscene, profane, lewd, vulgar, threatening, or disrespectful language; engaging in personal attacks or harassment
• Plagiarism and Copyright Infringement: Plagiarizing works found online or inappropriately reproducing copyrighted material
• Access to Inappropriate Material: Users will not access material that is profane or obscene (pornography), advocates illegal or dangerous acts, or advocates violence/discrimination (hate literature). A special exception for students conducting research requires approval from both the teacher/principal and the parent/guardian.

Available Educational Resources

• Exceptional Student Services (Special Education): Jennifer Alfonso, Director
• 504 Plans: Robert DiPietro, Assistant Superintendent

• English Language Learners (ELL): Andrew Halvorson
• Gifted and Talented: Andrew Halvorson
• Response to Intervention (RTI): Available to all students for academic, behavioral, and physical interventions; referrals can be made by teachers, parents, or students
• CAREER AND TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION: Gina Colletti

• School officials (including teachers, administrators, and certain support staff/contractors) who have a specific and legitimate educational interest in the information
•  Officials of another school where the student seeks to enroll
• Criminal justice agencies investigating a matter, limited to disciplinary and attendance information
• Accrediting institutions or educational testing/research organizations
• Parents of students over 18 who are dependents for federal income tax purposes
• Appropriate persons in emergency situations to protect health and safety
• Anyone, if required by a court order or subpoena

• May not require parents to sign up for or enroll in public benefits or insurance programs in order for their child to receive FAPE;
• May not require parents to incur an out-of-pocket expense such as the payment of a deductible or co-pay amount incurred in filing a claim for services provided pursuant to this part, but may pay the cost that the parents otherwise would be required to pay;
•  May not use a child’s benefits under a public benefits or insurance program if that use would:  Decrease available lifetime coverage or any other insured benefit;
• Result in the family paying for services that would otherwise be covered by the public benefits or insurance program and that are required for the child outside of the time the child is in school;
•  Increase premiums or lead to the discontinuation of benefits or insurance; or
• Risk loss of eligibility for home and community-based waivers, based on aggregate health-related expenditures.

Access to school facilities by non-students (visitors and volunteers) is heavily regulated and considered a privilege, emphasizing the priority of student and staff safety

• Requirements: Volunteers must complete an application and receive written approval from the director of personnel or designee. Volunteers work under the immediate supervision and direction of a licensed employee.
• Limitations: Volunteers are prohibited from working with confidential student/staff records or distributing, discussing, or reading unapproved material to students.
• Background Checks: The Board requires annual background checks for volunteers who work with students, as a measure for student safety.

Frequently Asked Questions from Parents about Threat Assessments

Why do schools conduct threat assessments

• Threat assessment protocols seek to ensure and promote the emotional and physical safety of all students, staff, parents/guardians, and others.
• Threat assessments seek to ensure a full understanding of the context of the threat.
•  Protocols help school staff understand the factors contributing to the student of concern’s behavior.
• While balancing the needs of all members of the school community, threat assessments allow districts to be proactive in developing an intervention plan, in a consistent manner that addresses the emotional and physical safety of the student of concern and provides appropriate resources.
• A threat assessment may or may not lead to discipline actions in accordance with the district’s discipline policy.

When are threat assessments conducted?

• All threat-related behaviors must be reported to appropriate school administrators in order to ensure safety of communities.
• Threats may be written, verbal, drawn depictions or virtual means, such as social media posts or perceived threats through gestures, body language or stalking behaviors.
• After a threat has been reported, or behaviors of concern identified, the trained threat assessment team will investigate the situation to ensure the safety of the student and school community.

How could my child be involved in the threat assessment process?

• Interviews will be conducted with the student of concern and any other students or adults who may have information about the threat. This may include students who are identified as a possible target of the threat. An interview may take place before knowing a student is a target or while this concept is still being investigated.
• Inquiries may involve locker or personal belonging searches, as well as a review of the student’s internet and social media history.

Will I be notified?

• Parents/guardians of students of concern and possible targets of threats will be notified.
• State law does not require districts to contact parents/guardians before starting a threat assessment, as this delay might interfere with student and/or school safety.

What can I expect during the threat assessment inquiry if my child is the alleged perpetrator of the threat?

• Parents/guardians may be interviewed during a threat assessment inquiry, as your knowledge of your child is important to the team’s determination of the severity of the threat and support to be implemented for your child.
• If your child is receiving mental health services outside of school, a school may request permission to communicate with the child's treatment provider.
• Schools may involve counselors, police, or other community agencies during the inquiry process.
• Parents/guardians have a right to request a copy of their student's threat assessment as part of their educational records. Please check with your school/district's policy for requesting this information.
• At the conclusion of the threat assessment inquiry, with the input of the student and their parents/guardians, the school will create a Response, Management, and Support Plan (RMS Plan) to outline any interventions and/or resources that will be put in place to support the student.
• If the student is absent from school for any time during the threat assessment inquiry, the student and their parents/guardians will be invited for a re-entry meeting to discuss the RMS Plan, any work that has been missed, and how best to help the student comfortably reintegrate into the school community.

Files:

• Claire Davis School Safety Act
• Fair Notice for Students
• Parent/Guardian Fair Notice

Pueblo County School District 70 is committed to providing a safe and comfortable learning environment for all students. Bullying negatively impacts student well-being and the learning environment, and is therefore prohibited.

What is Bullying?
Bullying aims to hurt, harm, or humiliate someone. It involves a power imbalance (physical, social, or socio-economic) where the behavior continues even after the bully realizes the harm they are causing.

Bullying is defined as any written, verbal, physical, or electronic act or gesture (including cyberbullying) that meets *all* of the following criteria:

• It is intentional, repeated or likely to be repeated, and involves a power imbalance (physical, social, or socio-economic).
• It is intended to coerce, intimidate, or cause physical, mental, or emotional harm.
• It is severe enough to create an intimidating, hostile, or significantly offensive environment that disrupts a student's learning or school activities.

Types of Bullying
Physical: Hitting, kicking, tripping, pinching, damaging property.

• Verbal: Name-calling, insults, teasing, intimidation, homophobic or racist remarks, verbal abuse.
• Social: Harming someone's social reputation or causing humiliation through lies, rumors, exclusion, unkind mimicking, or embarrassing actions.
• Cyberbullying:  Using digital technology (computers, smartphones, social media, texts, websites) to send abusive or hurtful messages, spread gossip or rumors, or steal login information.

Distinguishing Bullying from Other Behaviors

• Rude: Unintentionally saying or doing something hurtful or embarrassing.
• Mean:  Intentionally saying or doing something hurtful, but it happens only once or twice.
• Conflict: A disagreement or argument where both sides express their views and there is equal power. It usually stops when harm is realized.
• Harassment or Discrimination: Unwelcome physical or verbal conduct, or written, pictorial, or visual communication directed at a student or group because of their membership (or perceived membership) in a protected class (Disability, Race, Creed, Color, Sex, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Gender Expression, Family Composition, Religion, Age, National Origin, or Ancestry). This conduct must be objectively offensive to a reasonable person within that protected class.

Report Bullying

If you've been, or know someone else who has been, a target of bullying behavior, you can contact a trusted adult (teacher, counselor, etc.), your school principal, or report an incident to Safe2Tell.

Investigation and Support
If necessary, accommodations and support will be provided to ensure student safety during an investigation. Parents/guardians will receive updates on the investigation's progress. The district will use supportive and restorative practices to prevent future negative behaviors and promote positive behavior within the school community.

Consequences
Disciplinary actions for bullying will focus on promoting positive behavior through restorative practices. Consequences will align with district policy and may include, but are not limited to, suspension or expulsion.